“Chrome Security Warning” – a fake alert that asks to call tech support

“Chrome Security Warning” is an example of technical support scam[1] that targets Google Chrome users. Typically, users are redirected to a scam website once their computers get infected with adware. These redirects can be followed by an increased amount of ads, pop-ups or similar commercial content.

However, the main purpose of “Chrome Security Warning” virus is to trick users into calling a provided phone number. Security researchers detected that scammers use 0800 046 5257 number. Though, the list of used phone numbers might be longer.

The “Chrome Security Warning” scam website delivers a pop-up that tells that about locked computer due to the violation of law related to access to child pornography. However, the website itself gives more details about possible threats that are not true:

SECURITY WARNING

Error Code 022-023-251

Do not ignore this critical alert.If you close this page, your PC access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.Your PC has alerted us that it has been infected with a virus and spyware. The following information is being stolen…Facebook LoginCredit Card DetailMicrosoft Account LoginPhotos stored on this PC.You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone. Please call Microsoft within the next 5 minutes to prevent your PC from being disabled.

However, security researchers reported that scammers can deliver other threatening messages which provide slightly different information. Though, it does not change the fact that it is all fake. For instance, if you look up for the information about mentioned Error Code 022-023-251, you will find out that it’s a scam.[2] This error is non-existent and has nothing in common with Microsoft, Google or other legitimate corporation.

Therefore, if you receive unknown security alerts, you should always double-check the information about the problem before taking further actions. Additionally, grammar mistakes and typos, as well as urge to call Microsoft in only 5 minutes are other clear signs of the scam.

Thus, instead of grabbing your phone and making that phone, you should check your computer’s state by scanning the system with Reimage or another anti-malware software which is capable of “Chrome Security Warning” removal if needed.

Calling scammers even for curiosity might end pretty bad because:

the phone call might cost a lot;

scammers might trick you into revealing some personally identifiable details;

you might be convinced into installing bogus or malicious software or other tools.

Thus, you should not take the risk and talk with cyber criminals. You should remove “Chrome Security Warning” adware immediately until this potentially unwanted program (PUP) hasn’t caused you more problems.

Scammers spread adware via software bundles

The program which is responsible for redirects to “Chrome Security Warning” tech support scam website spreads bundled with various free programs. It might be promoted as a useful application and users might agree to install it.

However, most of the time adware hijack occurs without users knowledge because they stick to Quick/Recommended installation settings which do not openly disclose about third-party components.

Security specialists from dieviren.de[3] remind to use Advanced or Custom installation settings to avoid installation of unwanted apps. It takes less time than PUP removal.

Eliminating “Chrome Security Warning” scam

To remove “Chrome Security Warning” adware, you have to uninstall questionable programs via Control Panel, uninstall suspicious Chrome extensions and reset the browser. The instructions how to perform all these tasks properly are provided below.

However, you can opt for the automatic “Chrome Security Warning” removal and save up your time. This method suggests scanning the system with anti-malware/anti-spyware software and resetting affected web browser.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to remove infection using Reimage, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.

Reimage is recommended to uninstall “Chrome Security Warning” scam. Free scanner allows you to check whether your PC is infected or not. If you need to remove malware, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage malware removal tool. More information about this program can be found in Reimage review.

Eliminate “Chrome Security Warning” scam from Safari

Reimage is a tool to detect malware.You need to purchase Full version to remove infections.

Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences.

Here, select Extensions and look for “Chrome Security Warning” scam or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.

Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari....

Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete “Chrome Security Warning” scam removal process.

After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of “Chrome Security Warning” scam registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus or Malwarebytes Anti Malware.